Why is Abraham known as the first Jew? What is the difference between the cultures of the Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews? What are the origins of Yom Kippur, Hanukkah and Pesach? All these questions and more are answered in this volume. Find out the background to one of the world's oldest religions, which traces its roots back 3500 years. Charting the spread of the Jewish people, from the time of the Hebrews in the Middle East to Jewish communities around the world today, this volume explores what it is to live and worship according to Jewish traditions. Every aspect of the Jewish religion and culture is featured. All important festivals, the food laws and the meaning of symbols are brought to light. It also uncovers some of the invaluable contributions made by Jewish people to the fields of science, medicine and the arts.